WHAT’S FOR DINNER?

It was late afternoon and I was standing in the kitchen with the refrigerator door open, staring inside, when my son Alex came into the room.

“What’s for dinner?” He asked as he went over to the cabinet and took out a box of crackers.

“Good question.” I moved a few things around on the shelves. “I was just in the pantry and didn’t see anything that inspired a meal.” I sighed as I closed the refrigerator door. “Nothing in here either.” I went over to the cabinet he’d just been in and looked around.

After a few moments I closed the cabinet, gave another deep sigh, looked at Alex and shrugged my shoulders. “I’ve got nothing.”

“So, we’ll get take out.” He reasoned.

I shook my head. “No. I have to go to the grocery store anyway. I don’t have any meals planned for next week.” I went to the closet to get my coat. “I think I’ll just go now and see if something looks good for tonight.”

Grabbing my keys and pocketbook I headed for the front door. “Wish me luck!” I called over my shoulder.

My husband Steven came around the corner. “What are we wishing you luck for?” He asked as he came to the door with a look of concern on his face.

“I’m headed to the grocery store with no idea what I’m making for dinner.” I said as I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Why don’t we just get some take out?” He asked.

“I already tried that.” Alex said. “But she seems determined.”

By now I was at the car. “I have to do grocery shopping anyway.” I called. “I’ll think of something.”

As I was driving to the store recipes were going through my head. “Maybe nachos?” Shaking my head. “Steven doesn’t like the spice.” That imaginary recipe card got put back.

“Chicken parm?” But then I remembered I didn’t have any precooked cutlets and I wasn’t going to make that from scratch. So, another imaginary recipe card bit the dust.

“Maybe just a pork cutlet with some sides?” I shook my head. “This is hard to do when you’re not hungry.”

I’d arrived at the grocery store. Once I parked I grabbed a cart and headed right for the meat counter. “Might as well start with the main ingredient.” I said under my breath.

But as I circled the meat selection nothing was screaming, ‘make me!’ loud enough for me to stop. I was on my second lap around the meat counter when I spotted a fellow shopper who had the same look on her face that I was feeling. “Can’t figure out what to make for dinner?” I asked her.

She seemed surprised by my question. “How’d you know?” She laughed.

“Because I’m feeling the same way.” I laughed.

She was standing in front of the Italian sausage when I reached down and picked up a package. “Wait! What if I made this with peppers and onions, mixed in some tortellini and made a side salad?” I looked back at my fellow shopper. “That doesn’t sound terrible, does it?”

She shook her head. “Sounds good to me.”

“Perfect!” I dropped the sausage in my cart. “Thanks for your help.” I called over my shoulder as I headed for the frozen foods to get a bag of tortellini.

“Anytime.” She called back with a laugh.

I couldn’t help but give a sigh of relief as I was back in my this-is-what’s-for-dinner mode once again.